In the United States, the initial tracking ships were constructed by the U.S. Army and then the U.S. Air Force to support their missile programs.
The Chinese ships were purpose built vessels for their role in the navy and the space program.
The Poincaré was a converted tanker, but the Monge was a purpose-built ship.
Inactive Active The Soviet and later Russian ships were purpose built vessels for their role.
The latter was delivered in January 2012[8] to replace USNS Observation Island (T-AGM-23) in 2014.